The Australian Kendo Federation (AKF), in partnership with the New South Wales Kendo Association (NSWKA), is excited to host the inaugural Junior Australian Kendo Championships (Junior AKC) on the weekend of 4-5 July 2026 at Newington College, Sydney. We are very much looking forward to this opportunity to provide a fun, safe and inclusive environment for young Kendoka of our community to compete, challenge themselves, learn from others, and build friendships across borders.
As we prepare for this important milestone event, the Kendo Committee is seeking Expression of Interest from all Kendo members who hold 4th Dan and above to join us as Shinpan at the Junior AKC. Your experience, judgement and leadership are vital in helping us create a safe, fair and positive competitive environment for our junior Kendoka.
- Availability
- Preference is for Shinpan to be available across both Competition Days (4-5 July 2026).
- If you are only available for part of the weekend, please indicate this in your response; we will do our best to accommodate your availability where possible.
- Briefings
- Attendance at the Shinpan briefing on the morning of each Competition Day.
- Responsibilities
- Carry out Shinpan duties in accordance with the Junior AKC Competition Rules (to be released), which will be aligned with AKR and FIK shiai regulations.
- Refrain from undertaking Coaching or Team Manager roles during the Competition to maintain clear separation of duties.
- Arrange your own travel and accommodation for the event.
- Registration & Compliance
- Submit your EOI by completing the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/
hQwdbktu75hfx5aY7 - Complete the following courses on the AKR Learning Centre (AKRLC):
- Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction (https://learning.
kendoaustralia.asn.au/course/ view.php?id=1478) - PBTR – Harassment and Discrimination (https://learning.
kendoaustralia.asn.au/course/ view.php?id=91). - If you have completed these courses outside of the AKRLC, please complete these courses again in the AKRLC so your course completions are registered in the system.
- Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction (https://learning.
- You will need to have a current and valid Working with Children Check, or the equivalent conducted and issued by your State/Territory. Please send a copy of this to the Kendo Committee prior to the Junior AKC.
- Submit your EOI by completing the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/
If you are willing to be considered as a Shinpan for the inaugural Junior AKC, please submit your EOI by 31 May 2026.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Kendo Committee (kendoboard@kendoaustralia.
Thank you for considering supporting this important new chapter in Australian Kendo. We sincerely hope to see many of you in Sydney in July!
Kind Regards,